Dear Loser,
My coworker Dave has been talking about cryptocurrency every single day for three years. He explains blockchain to people who didn't ask. He has opinions about altcoins at lunch. He says "DYOR" instead of "I don't actually know." Is there a way to make him stop? — Exhausted by Ethereum
Dear Exhausted,
No. There is no way to make Dave stop. Dave is beyond stopping. Dave has crossed the event horizon of crypto enthusiasm and cannot escape. He has purchased hardware wallets, explained what gas fees are to his mother, and used the phrase "store of value" in a conversation about groceries. Dave is lost to us.
What you can do is manage your exposure to Dave. Some strategies:
The Redirect: When Dave starts talking about crypto, ask him about literally anything else. "That reminds me, Dave, what did you have for lunch?" Dave will be confused but may answer. You have bought yourself ninety seconds.
The Agree and Disengage: "You're right, Dave. Blockchain is the future." Then put your headphones on. Dave doesn't need a conversation partner. He needs an audience. A nodding head and visible headphones is the universal signal for "I have acknowledged your existence and now I am done."
The Mirror: Start talking to Dave about your own niche interest with equal intensity. Sourdough starter. Train schedules. The history of Flemish painting. Whatever. Match his energy. If Dave gets a taste of what it's like to be on the receiving end, he might develop empathy. Or he might start connecting Flemish painting to NFTs. It's a risk.
Ultimately, Dave is going to Dave. Your power lies not in changing Dave but in controlling your proximity to Dave. This is also a useful life skill that extends well beyond cryptocurrency.
— The Loser